  Showin’ OutIn Appalachian speech, "showin’ out" means acting up for attention - showing off, clowning, or misbehaving in front of others. It’s strongest in Appalachia, though sometimes heard in the wider South. Hillbilly Dude Says...  We never used 'showin’ out' growin' up - but the same neighbor from across the mountain that made the best bread you ever tasted? She said it to her little'un all the time. I'm assuming it's more regional. Pronunciation[SHOW-in OUT] Meaning & Usage- To act up or misbehave for attention (verb phrase)
Mae:
Them boys was showin’ out all through the service.- To show off or try to impress others (verb phrase)
Earl:
He was showin’ out tryin’ to make the girls laugh.other spellings: showing off, acting up, clowning, cutting up, making a scene, seeking attention, and showin’ off in front of folks ★ "Showin’ out" is usually a scolding - parents, teachers, and preachers use it when kids are cutting up in front of others. It can also mean grown folks showing off too much. ★ OriginFrom the standard English "showing out" (to display). In Appalachia, the phrase took on a stronger meaning of acting up or showing off in public. NotesMost common in Appalachian speech, especially in family and church settings. Occasionally heard in the wider South, but rare outside the region. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "show-in out." The "g" in "-ing" is dropped: "showin’." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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